Document Type
Paper
Publication Date
Spring 4-24-2024
Faculty Mentor
Zesarae Bodie
Abstract
Background: Roughly 28 % of older adults in the United States experience social isolation, a condition linked to higher rates of depression, cognitive decline, chronic disease, and premature mortality. Although research shows that regular social engagement improves health and longevity, many older adults lack programs that are both accessible and engaging.
Purpose: This capstone project explored whether a brief, community-based program—the Ageless Adventures Club—could lessen loneliness and foster inclusion among adults aged 60 + in Bluffton, South Carolina.
Methods: A mixed-methods needs assessment (n = 46) identified transportation, mobility, and cost as primary barriers to participation. Guided by the Model of Social Interaction, a bi‑weekly, eight-week series combined expert-led discussions (e.g., occupational therapy access, mental‑health awareness, heart health) with interactive activities such as social gaming, balance games, and modified Zumba. Attendance averaged 17 participants per session. The Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale and open-ended questions were administered before and after the program. Descriptive statistics captured changes in loneliness, feeling left out, and isolation, while qualitative comments provided context.
Results: Feelings of being left out declined from 94 % to 90 %, suggesting a modest gain in inclusion. Conversely, reported loneliness rose slightly (59 % to 62 %), and isolation remained at 76 %. Uneven participation and anonymous surveys limited the ability to match individual pre-‑ and post-scores, complicating impact estimates.
Discussion: The program confirmed the promise and limits of short-term group interventions. Consistent attendance and modest inclusion gains were encouraging, yet loneliness and isolation proved resilient. Findings reinforce the need for multifaceted strategies that address transportation, offer smaller interest-based groups, and provide flexible scheduling.
Conclusions & Next Steps: The Ageless Adventures Club offers a scalable template for community partners and occupational therapists seeking to combat social isolation. Future iterations will integrate follow-up surveys, an implementation guide, remote‑support options, wider publicity, and a suggestion box, with relaunch planned for June/July 2025.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Rikita, "The Impact of Socialization on Mental Health in Older Adults: An Occupational Therapy Guided Approach" (2024). Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice. 28.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-ppotd/28